Little League Basics
Glossary of Terms
About Bat Alloys
Deciding on Bat Weight & Length
Little League Bat Selection Chart
Little League Bat Pricing Information
Senior League - Big Barrel Bats
College & High School Metal Bats
Bat Weight Guidelines - College/High School Baseball
Bat Length Guidelines - College/High School Baseball
College/High School Baseball Bat Pricing
Recommended Bat Length by Weight and Height Chart
The Right Bat For Your Game
Composite Bats
Liquid Metal Bats
Links to Baseball Bats at Hit! Run! Score!
We at Hit! Run! Score! have put together this Baseball Bat Buying Guide in the
hope you will utilize the information to at least reduce the trauma of buying a bat. This
guide is not exhaustive, we simply don't have the space for that, we do hope however it
provides the information you want to make an informed purchasing decision. Should you have a
question not answered in this buyer's guide please feel free to call our knowledeable customer
service staff. If we don't know the answer we will endeavor to get it for you.
LITTLE LEAGUE BASICS
First, we'll take a look at Little League and Youth League baseball bats, demystify some of
the technical terms and provide some charts to help you select the proper length and weight
bat for your Little League baseball player.
The Little League organization, by its own definition, starts with Tee-Ball Leagues at age
5-6 and ends with Big Leagues for ages 16-18. There are several divisions between these two
bookends, created by age, skill level and local options. Some baseball players chose to move
to faster paced more aggressive leagues when they begin playing high school baseball, usually
around age 14. Local youth leagues independent of Little League have their own age
requirements, usually with a 2-3 year gap in age from one division to another. From a
baseball bat perspective the most important aspect of this is be certain the bat is
"league approved" prior to using it in a game. This can save embarassment at the least and
possible confiscation of the offending bat at the worst.
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Unless you are actually in the business bat manufacturing seems overrun with confusing
technical terminology which is meaningless unless you learn the lingo. Hopefully this
glossary of terms will be helpful. If you don't find the term your looking for here try doing
a Google search of the term on the web. If you can remain patient you will find what your
looking for although it may take some time.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
MINUS (-)3 DROP: Refers to the differential between the length and weight of a bat. As
an example a (-)3 bat would be a 30in. length 27oz. weight bat. A (-10) bat would be a 26in.
length bat which weighs 16 ounces. In order to be High School (NFHS) or College (NCAA)
approved a bat must have a drop (rating) of no more than -3. Little League
(through age 12) currently does not employ a drop (rating) system. Generally speaking bat
sizes in the 8-12 age group range from 16oz. thru 23oz. in weight and 26in. thru 32in. length.
HALF AND HALF TECHNOLOGY: The barrel of the bat is made of one material while the handle of
the bat is made of another. Usually the handle is a composite material while the barrel is
aluminum alloy creating a two-piece construction bat which some say increases the "trampoline
effect."
(1) Our thanks to Dr. Daniel A. Russell Applied Physics, Kettering University, Flint, MI. for
his tireless efforts in pursuit of a better understanding of the dynamics of a
baseball / softball bat striking a ball.
Click here for Dr. Russell's homepage: Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball
Bats
www.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats.html
(1) TRAMPOLINE EFFECT: "A baseball experiences a certain amount of deformation during its
collision with a baseball bat. During the collision the barrel of the bat compresses and
expands appearing to throw the ball away. This phenomenon is unique to hollow (metal and
composite) bats and gives rise to what is called the "trampoline effect."
(1) VIBRATION DAMPENING: "There are several aluminum bat models with vibration reduction
mechanisms which attempt to reduce the vibration that causes hand discomfort. If you grip a
normal aluminum bat lightly in one hand, at the top hand location on the handle, and tap the
barrel end of the bat on the floor you will feel a buzz in your whole hand. Doing the same
with a bat that has a vibration reduction system results in significantly less buzzing
sensation the surprising thing is that bats which effectively damp out the vibration in this
example still cause sting in the top hand for hits at the taper."
(1) SWEET SPOT: "Trying to locate the exact sweetspot on a baseball or softball bat is not a
simple task, because there are a multitude of definitions of the sweetspot. For most bats all
of these "sweet spots" are at different locations on the bat, so one is often forced to
define the sweetspot as a region, approximately 5-7 inches from the end of the barrel, where
the batted-ball speed is the highest and the sensation in the hands is minimized. When a ball
hits an aluminum bat away from the sweet spot the batted ball will usually go farther than a
ball hit by wood off the sweet spot."
BAT PERFORMANCE FACTOR (BPF): Most aluminum bats have BPF values near 1.20 and some super
high performing bats have BPF values around 1.30 or higher. The legal limit set by USSSA, ISF
and NSF is BPF 1.20, we'll discuss the ASA in the softball section. Little League youth bats
must pass with a BPF rating of 1.15 or lower.
BESR (BALL EXIT SPEED RATIO): A test currently used by both the NCAA (for college baseball)
and the NFHS (for high school baseball). The test uses a special machine which swings a bat
at a ball moving at 70 mph. After impact the ball passes through a radar detection unit which
measures the ball exit speed. The current maximum ball exit speed standard set by the NCAA is
97 mph and 94 mph by the NFHS. All bats used in college and high school play must carry the
BESR certification, usually found imprinted on the barrel of the bat.
LONG BARREL PROFILE: Refers to a bat with the maximum legal diameter measuring the longest
from the end cap to a point where the barrel begins to taper down providing larger contact
surface and theoretically a larger sweet spot.
ROTATION INDEX: A DeMarini innovation designed to extend bat life. A series of numbers
encircle the base of the bat barrel. The first time you use a bat with a rotation index pay
attention to the number facing you when you hit. After every hit simply rotate the bat to the
next number. Utilizing this method evens out the number of hits on the barrel and will reduce
flat spots which could occur over time.
DOUBLE WALL: The barrel of these bats have two ultra-thin walls independent of each other but
spaced close together. The intent of this design is to intensify the "trampoline" effect and
indeed independent testing has proven double wall bats provide an edge in performance. The
downside is doublewall bats dent easier and are more expensive.
CARBON LINING: Manufacturers add a carbon lining to increase strength most notably Easton.
The Easton C-Core and Z-Core bats have carbon fiber bonded to the inside of the barrel walls
for increased strength and durability.
VARIABLE WALL THICKNESS: This process allows the manufacturer to put stronger, thicker areas
next to thinner areas and is purported by the bat maker to make the bat less likely to dent.
CRYOGENICALLY TREATED ALUMINUM: Alloy is frozen and reheated to provide greater durability,
less vibration and 2-4% greater distance.
GRAPHITE BATS: Stronger and lighter than high-grade aluminum, graphite bats are either made
of a graphite-fiber composite material or have an aluminum core with graphite lining.
TITANIUM BATS: Stronger and lighter than high-grade aluminum, titanium bats generally have an
aluminum core and titanium lining or wall. Some softball associations, notably both the ASA
and USSSA have banned the use of titanium bats in their sanctioned softball leagues. Check
with your league before purchasing a titanium bat to ensure they are league approved. These
are very expensive bats and can create an unecessary headache should you discover after the
purchase you can't use the bat in your league(s) play.
LIQUID METAL BATS: The zirconium and titanium based Liquidmetal alloys achieved yield strength
twice that of conventional crystalline titanium alloys with superior elasticity, up to three
times that of other alloys. Due to their non-crystalline (amorphous) structures, the materials are harder and more elastic than alloys of titanium or aluminum used in similar applications.
BARREL: The widest portion of the bat generally measuring between 2.25 inches and 2.75 inches
in diameter.
TAPER: Refers to the handle diameter which must fit a player's hands comfortably providing a
good grip. Most bats taper is 31/32 of an inch with some being 29/32 of an inch.
GRIP: Bat manufacturer's use leather, sythetic leather, composite material or rubber on the
tapered end of the bat where the player grips the bat to swing. Generally leather grips
provide the best hold but don't perform as well if they get wet. Rubber absorbs vibrations
better than the other materials but typically doesn't hold up as well.
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ABOUT BAT ALLOY'S
Next we'll take a look at the various alloy's used in today's aluminum bat manufacturing.
Most modern bats are made of aircraft-grade aluminum supplied by Alcoa or Kaiser.
Variations in the alloy formula have resulted in stronger alloys, allowing the manufacturers
to design bats with thinner shell walls, which in turn correspond to lighter weight bats. Be
careful of bats -11 or lighter that don't state the type of alloy used. These bats may be
made of an alloy too weak to support the thinner wall needed for the light weight.
Standard aircraft aluminum is designated in the trade as “7046.” Most budget bats are made of
this grade. “7050” grade alloy includes a small amount of copper, and is approximately 33%
stronger than 7046. Over a decade ago Alcoa branded its 7050 grade “CU31” and began marketing
it in Slo-Pitch bats as the first high performance alloy. The “CU” designation refers to the
addition of copper to the alloy.
Alcoa’s “C405” is the next higher grade, supposedly about 10% stronger than CU31. C405 was
introduced within the last decade, quickly followed by C405 Plus and C405 Ultra, which are
the same alloy manufactured under different processes. The strength difference between C405
and C405 Ultra is only about 5%. C405 Ultra is, therefore, about 38% stronger than standard
aircraft aluminum. “7075” is a new alloy by Kaiser that is claimed to be equal to or better
than C405 Ultra.
Kaiser’s Sc500 Scandium, and Alcoa’s C500 and C555 represent the next level up. C500 and
Sc500 Scandium are about 3-5% stronger than C405 Ultra, respectively. C555 is claimed to be
about 7% stronger than C405 Ultra, or about 40% stronger than standard aircraft grade
aluminum.
The next and very substantial improvement in bat alloys was Sc777, made by Kaiser. While the other
exotic alloys only offer incremental strength gains over CU31, Sc777, if the claims are true,
represented a truly big leap: about 50% stronger than C405. This means that Sc777 is nearly
twice as strong as standard aircraft aluminum. The latest in the continuing race for the
"perfect" bat alloy is Sc888 and Sc900. The general names for alloys from lowest to highest are:
7050, CU31, C405, SC500, SC555, SC777, SC888, and SC900 both touted to be improvements on the
SC777 in strength and durability.
Liquid Metal appears the heir apparent to the more traditional alloy's. Zirconium and titanium based Liquidmetal alloys have a yield strength twice that of conventional titanium alloys with superior elasticity, up to three times that of other alloys while utilizing an aluminum alloy Chromium Enhanced frame.
Armed with all this information regarding baseball bats (probably more than you
realized was available or ever wanted to know) your now in a position to make your purchase.
Whether you make the actual purchase on-line or at your local retail outlet is mostly a
matter of personal preference. Regardless of where you make the purchase it is a good idea to
"test" out the bat first. Test means to have the player hold the potential purchase in the
hitting position and actually swing it thereby getting an idea of whether the bat is too long
or too heavy.
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DECIDING ON BAT WEIGHT & LENGTH
It's best not to purchase a bat which is too heavy for your player. Rather than growing into
the bat the player will develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on, not to
mention poor self esteem because the overly heavy bat keeps the player from successfully
hitting the ball. Generally speaking if the bat is the proper size the player should be able
to stand in the batters box in the hitting position and with arms extended be able to reach
the outside edge of the plate. If the bat extends beyond this point it's too long, can't
reach this point, it's too short. As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold
the bat in one hand (which ever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding
this position for at least 8-10 seconds. If the player can't do this the bat is too heavy. If
in doubt about two bats it is always better to err on the side of the lighter bat.
High School and College sanctioning bodies have approved -3 drop bats(the ratio of length to
weight can be no more than a factor of 3 i.e. a 30 inch bat can weigh no less than 27 ounces)
as the standard for safety purposes (more on this later). In Little League and other similar
age appropriate leagues, YMCA for instance, light bats aren't seen as unsafe due to the fact
the players at this age (usually through league age 12) aren't nearly as strong as older
players. For players in this age group it is critical to use a light bat they can swing
properly.
Little League rules decree bats used in their sanctioned leagues can not be more than 32
inches in length with no more than a 2.25 inch diameter barrel and be made of Little League
approved material. Unlike High School and College bats which must be imprinted with the BESR
certification,
Little League approved bats do not need to be imprinted with something like "approved by
Little League." You can take comfort in the fact every major bat manufacturer uses approved
materials in the making of Little League bats.
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The chart below is offered as an aid in helping you select the correct bat for your Little
League player. These are guidelines only and not meant to replace player "testing" a bat
detailed earlier. Generally speaking buy a bat with a -10 drop or lighter.
Selecting A Little League
|
Selecting A Little League (age) Bat |
| Age |
Bat Length |
Bat Weight |
Drop |
| 7 - 8 |
26 - 27 inches |
16 - 17 ounces |
-10 |
| 8 - 9 |
27 - 29 inches |
17 - 19 ounces |
-10 |
| 9 - 12 |
28 - 31 inches |
18 - 21 ounces |
-10 |
| 10 - 12 |
29 - 32 inches |
19 - 22 ounces |
-9 |
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LITTLE LEAGUE BAT PRICING
You will discover a very broad range of prices when shopping for a Little League aluminum
bat. Generally, prices range from a low of around $55.00 to a high of $220.00 with most of
these bats in the $140.00 to $190.00 range. Bat manufacturer's make "new" model bats and
begin marketing them months prior to the actual season they have been designated for. For
instance bats earmarked for the 2006 season are actually marketed in mid-2005. Sometimes the
only thing "new" about the next years model is the paint job (and the price). It's best to
read the specifications carefully, comparing the newest model against previous years models.
Sometimes you can find last years model at a reasonably discounted price and a performance
rating which is as good as or perhaps better
than the "new" model. Caveat Emptor (Latin for "let the buyer beware") is certainly good
advice when making an investment in an aluminum baseball bat. Its not necessary to be afraid,
it is important to be informed.
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Senior League - Big Barrel Bats
Recent confusion over the term "Senior League" bats which are also referred to as
"Big Barrel"bats prompts us to share this information with you. Senior League / Big Barrel
youth baseball bats have a 2 5/8in or 2 3/4in barrel and are designed for baseball players
age 10 - 15. The word "Senior" is not intended to mean senior citizen, it comes from the
"senior little league" for which these big barrel bats were originally designed. Senior
League bats are NOT approved for Little League, Dixie, Babe Ruth or AABC play.
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COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL (ALUMINUM / METAL ALLOY) BATS
The section above covers a great deal of information which is basically the same whether its
little league or college/high school baseball bats your talking about. This section is geared
specifically for the college/high school baseball player.
Remember, lighter in relation to the batters ability to effectively and efficiently swing the
bat is better. If the tendency, when purchasing a little league bat is to buy a bat to heavy
for the player, this tendency becomes more prevalent as the player matures.
Most Major League Baseball players today, unlike players of the past, do subscribe to the
lighter is better philosophy. A case in point is Barry Bonds, who weighs 195 pounds and uses
a 28 ounce bat! No one can deny Bonds is an excellent hitter and a prolific home run hitter.
The reason for this change in thinking among MLB power hitters is a lighter bat is easier to
control. Proof is in the pudding as they say and the proof is you can hit a ball harder and
farther with a lighter bat than with a heavy bat because your bat speed in noticeably quicker
swinging the lighter bat. Not unlike golf its about the speed of the club (bat) at the moment
of impact; the faster the striking instrument is moving the farther the struck object will go.
The NCAA and the NFHS (and other high school sports governing organizations) came to this
realization in the late 90's prompting them to change their rules as it relates to baseball
bats. For safety reasons they instituted the -3 drop rule which states the ratio of length to
weight can be no more than -3, in other words if a bat is 30 inches long it can weigh no less
than 27 ounces effectively maximizing the players swing speed which has the effect of reducing
the speed at which the ball rebounds off the bat.
What is the most important factor in selecting a baseball bat. It must be comfortable to the
player who is going to use it, not to his friend, parent or coach. The player is the one who
will be using this bat on a consistent basis and expecting consistent performance from himself
and his bat. Maximum performance can never be achieved if the player is not comfortable with
his bat. We've all been through "breaking in" a new baseball glove and the sense of relief
when the task is finally accomplished. How uncomfortable the new glove is while going thru
the "breaking in" process. Think of an uncomfortable bat as a glove that can never be
"broken in".
Below is a chart providing guidelines to help you select the correct bat. Regardless of
whether you purchase the bat on-line or in your local sporting goods store make sure you have
a chance to feel the bat, hold the bat, swing the bat and in general do everything you can to
determine how comfortable you feel with your prospective new bat. While it may not be the
same exact model a friend or a coach or your team is bound to have a bat or bats you can
check out for length and weight. Once you've established the proper length and weight for
you then you can begin to look at various (brands) bats to determine the features most
attractive to you.
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|
Bat Weight Guidelines - College & High School Baseball |
| Player Height (in.) |
Optimum Bat Weight (oz.) |
| 66in. |
27oz. |
| 68in. |
27.5oz. |
| 70in. |
28oz. |
| 72in. |
29oz. |
| 74in. |
30oz. |
| 76in. |
30.5oz. |
|
Bat Length Guidelines - College & High School Baseball |
| Players Height |
Bat Length (in.) |
| 5ft - 5ft 6in |
30in - 32in |
| 5ft 6in - 6ft |
31in - 33in |
| 6ft+ |
34in |
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COLLEGE/HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL BAT PRICING
You will discover a very broad range of prices when shopping for an adult (College/High School)
metal bat. Generally, prices range from a low of around $129.00 to a high of $299.00 with
most of these bats in the $179.00 to $229.00 range. Bat manufacturer's make "new" model bats
and begin marketing them months prior to the actual season they have been designated for. For
instance bats earmarked for the 2006 season are actually marketed in mid-2005. Sometimes the
only thing "new" about next years model is the paint job (and the price). It's best to read
the specifications carefully, comparing the newest model against previous years models.
Sometimes you can find last years model at a reasonably discounted price with a performance
rating which is as good as or perhaps better than the "new" model. Caveat Emptor (Latin for
"let the buyer beware") is certainly good advice when making an investment in a metal or
composite baseball bat. Its not necessary to be afraid, it is important to be informed.
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Recommended Bat Length by
Weight and Height
| |
Your
height (inches) |
|
Your weight (pounds) |
36-40 |
41-44 |
45-48 |
49-52 |
53-56 |
57-60 |
61-64 |
65-68 |
69-72 |
73+ |
| Bat
length (inches) |
| 60 or less |
26in |
27in |
28in |
29in |
29in |
|
|
|
|
|
| 61-70 |
27in |
27in |
28in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
|
|
|
|
| 71-80 |
|
28in |
28in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
|
|
|
| 81-90 |
|
28in |
29in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
32in |
|
|
| 91-100 |
|
28in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
|
|
| 101-110 |
|
29in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
|
|
| 111-120 |
|
29in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
|
|
| 121-130 |
|
29in |
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
32in |
33in |
33in |
|
| 131-140 |
|
29in |
30in |
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
33in |
33in |
|
| 141-150 |
|
|
30in |
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
33in |
33in |
|
| 151-160 |
|
|
30in |
31in |
31in |
32in |
32in |
33in |
33in |
33in |
| 161-170 |
|
|
|
31in |
31in |
32in |
32in |
33in |
33in |
34in |
| 171-180 |
|
|
|
|
|
32in |
33in |
33in |
34in |
34in |
| 180+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
33in |
33in |
34in |
34in |
|
|
|
The information in this chart is a generalization and meant only as a guide in helping you
choose the correct length and weight bat for your unique circumstances. Make sure before you
actually purchase any bat you take the time to feel it and swing it, that your comfortable
with your choice. An old general rule of thumb is hold the bat in your lead hand (i.e. a
right handed batter would hold the bat in their left hand) and while holding the bat extend
your arm out as far as possible holding this position for at least 10 seconds. If you can't
do this the bat is too heavy. It may not be the brand you intend to purchase and that's ok
as long as it is the length and weight you've decided is correct for you.
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THE RIGHT BAT FOR YOUR GAME
Is it possible to play softball with a baseball bat? Yes, as long as you understand you would
be using a bat (baseball) somewhat shorter than the game (softball) your playing and the bat
(baseball) is a heavier weight bat. Performance, when compared to the latest softball bat
would suffer to some degree, it would compare more favorably to an older lower performance
softball bat.
Is it possible to play baseball with a softball bat? Yes, as long as you were willing to
replace the bat (softball) in a very short period of time as cracking or potentially even
breaking the bat (softball) is probable. Simply put softball bats are not designed to
withstand the stress of impact from a harder object (baseball).
Is it possible to play fast-pitch softball with a slow-pitch softball bat? Yes, but its
probable you would not like the decrease in performance (yours, not the bats) due to the
heavy weight thereby reducing your swing speed and making it more difficult to hit a
fast-pitch ball.
Is it possible to play slow-pitch softball with a fast-pitch softball bat? Yes, but most
likely you would damage the bat and be forced to discard it.
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COMPOSITE BATS
Although composite bats have been around for almost two decades, due to several technological
advances they are enjoying a revival of significant proportions in todays baseball bat market and are considered by many to be the "bat of the future."
Amateur Baseball continues to transition from its roots in wood materials, to dominant aluminum alloys, and more recently to composite hybrids, and most recently
to all composite baseball bats.
All the major bat manufacturer's as well as several smaller ones have a few, if not many,
composite bats in their catalog. These days composite bats come is a wide variety of state of
the art materials including, but not limited to, graphite, carbon fibre, glass fibre and Kevlar.
Todays composite bats come in several "different flavors" including all-composite bats, bats
with composite handles and aluminum barrels, bats with composite outer shells over aluminum
barrels, and all-composite double-wall bats.
All-composite bats are attractive to the buyer because they are more durable than aluminum
bats, much lighter than aluminum bats and allow the player to develop greater swing speed which translates into greater distance.
LINKS TO BASEBALL BATS AT HIT! RUN! SCORE!
For your convenience we've included links to all of the baseball bats we carry at Hit! Run!
Score!.
For the latest in baseball bats click the appropriate link below:
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